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Thursday, March 2, 2017

The "Key" To Self-Defense: Keychain Weapons

I talk a lot about guns here. Well, the name of the site IS LDS Guns… Anyway, there are many other weapons out there that I find effective, and have actually practiced with. One is a good key chain. What I like about a key chain is that it doesn’t look like a weapon and is allowed into every place I can think of. It can be stealth and very violent if the situation calls for it. It won’t, however, stop a bullet.
You may wonder why I even bring it up. Well, most key chains either are horribly inadequate as a weapon, or are configured wrong. I’ve seen many people use on their key ring a lanyard and that may be acceptable if the lanyard is very strong.
A key chain as a weapon should be very strong. As the ring itself I would use a sturdy split-ring for the keys themselves. I try to carry a minimum of keys but to be a decent weapon you would need about 3 or 4. For the “decorative” part and what I use as a handle is a 8 inch long string of wooden beads strung on 550 paracord. The paracord is very strong and it helps me to swing the keys like a sling. Whatever you carry on your ring should be sturdy enough to withstand blows. I have practiced on a punching bag and can tell you my key chain is very effective as a weapon.
If the ring is not sturdy or the “handle” is not sturdy, one hit will probably send your keys all over the place and leave you with only handle. Both need to be sturdy if you intend to use it as a swinging weapon. If you put keys in between your fingers it becomes a great punching weapon, this requires a sturdy ring.
When considering a weapon for your keychain remember the following:
Is it legal?
Will you carry it?
Will it be available to use quickly?
Am I confident in using it?
Is it effective?
A Kubotan is a good example of a defensive keychain. Although, some law enforcement may recognize this as a weapon, and confiscate it.
Designed by Takayuki Kubota, the Japanese Kubotan became highly popular in the mid-1970s when it was introduced to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). The LAPD eventually began teaching female officers its proper use along with lessons in jujitsu and other martial arts.
Soon however, male officers and other security personnel began to utilise its strength in subduing uncooperative suspects.
Having a strong history associated with jujitsu and other forms of martial arts, the Kubotan works with the body’s abilities to bring about maximum efficiency in defense. The Kubotan is a Japanese invention that acts as a self-defense keychain. It can be used as a close-quarter self-defense weapon when such actions are necessary.

Used correctly, it can hold opponents in painful locks and strike at pressure points. The Kubotan has been affectionately called the “Instrument of Attitude Adjustment” by many of its users. Today, security personnel of all professions use Kubotans as a small defense mechanism. Mercenary operations utilize its pocket-size strength along with members of the Secret Service and FBI.
The device, as marketed by Takayuki Kubota, is a high-impact plastic rod measuring approximately 5.5 inches in length and a little over a half an inch in diameter. To the casual observer, a Kubotan appears to be merely a large keychain or a key fob.
Modern Kubotans, however, come in a variety of sizes and designs. Some are made of metal and spiked or pointed. Some include hidden darts or tear gas. Kubotans have a long history with law enforcement and defense personnel as well as those looking for convenient self-defense options.
A good, sturdy key chain is a low profile weapon that you can usually take everywhere. One word of caution, learn to use whatever key chain you want to use as a weapon. You won’t find a “Keychain Weapon School” out there so you need to find someone to help you develop your weapon. A self-defense instructor that is familiar with knives, or some martial arts may be of help. The thing you are looking for are some drills and ways you may not have thought of to use your weapon. Then, like anything else self-defensive, practice so that you won’t be improvising or testing your weapon at the time of defense.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn